Ronnie VanderLinden New DMIA President - New Board Installed

DMIA elects Ronnie VanderLinden as new president,  installs new Executive Board and Board of Directors  Ronnie VanderLinden Members of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) installed a new board and appointed new directors during the DMIA's General Membership meeting on March 5th. Ronald (Ronnie) VanderLinden was elected president, stepping in the shoes of Ronald (Ronny) Friedman who served as DMIA president for the past nine years. Ronny Friedman Friedman thanked the DMIA members for the support and trust he received during his nine year term. "I've thoroughly enjoyed serving as DMIA president," he said "However, it is time to pass on the baton and I am certain Ronnie VanderLinden will do a great job."

Newly elected president Ronnie VanderLinden said it had been a privilege to work side by side with Ronny Friedman during the past years. "It is my intention to serve the DMIA members the best I can and continue the board's efforts to generate as much as possible added value for the membership at large," he stated.     Addressing Ronny Friedman, he said: "Be assured we will be calling up on you, now you that you're immediate past president. We're not letting you slip away that easily. We'll be needing your input and contribution."   Following is the make-up of the new executive board and board of directors: Executive Board: President                             Ronald VanderLinden Vice President                     Sheldon Kwiat Vice President                     Fred Knobloch Vice President                     Hertz Hasenfeld Vice President                     Saul Goldberg Vice President                     Eli Haas Secretary                             Stuart Samuels Treasurer                            Parag Shah Board of Directors Steve Eisen                         Marvin Finker Ishaia Gol                            Suzette Gomes Manny Gordon                   Jay Greenberg Stan Grosssbard                 Tom Heyman Daniel Kaleko                      Moishe Klein Daniel Klugman                  Melissa Kulhanhian Alan Rehs                            Charles Rosario Matthew Schamroth         Michael Verstandig Ex officio Ben Kinzler  - General Counsel Rick Cohen -  Director of Communications

The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), established in 1931, is the leading organization of America's premier diamond manufacturers, importers and dealers. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the American marketplace. DMIA is among the leaders in addressing domestic and world diamond industry issues, and acts as a representative of the American diamond industry with other industry organizations and government bodies. DMIA is dedicated to the advancement and assurance of consumer confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry.     http://dmia.net/

Edward DeCristofaro to Chair MJSA Board of Directors

MJSA Elects Edward DeCristofaro to Chair Board of Directors

Three new directors also join the board

MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has elected Edward N. DeCristofaro, president of LDC Inc. in Providence, as chair of the association’s board of directors. Ann Arnold, vice president of Lieberfarb in Rahway, New Jersey, and Darrell Warren, vice president at Stuller Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana, are the new vice chairs of the board. Michael Toback, president of Myron Toback Inc., becomes treasurer, while Stuart Lee continues as secretary. The new MJSA Foundation chair is Dave Meleski, president of the Richline Group Inc.; the former Foundation chair, Richard V. Powers, becomes an officer at large.

Joining the MJSA board of directors are Molly Bell, director of The Bell Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Steven A. Cipolla, president of National Chain Group in Warwick, Rhode Island; and Joseph Esposito, managing director of LeachGarner in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Re-elected for a three-year term is James A. Troiano, a Cranston, Rhode Island, industry consultant.

DeCristofaro has a history of service to industry organizations. He is president of the Providence Jewelers Club, serves on the board of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York and the Boston Jewelers Club. An early entrant to the jewelry industry, DeCristofaro joined his father’s then-new company at the age of 17. He took over the company’s operations, and in 2003 he became full owner. LDC today is a full-service jewelry manufacturer specializing in sterling silver, gold-filled, and fashion jewelry. During his time at the company, DeCristofaro has built many of LDC's machines and tools, developing proprietary technology.

“I am honored to take on the chair of the MJSA board, as the association celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2013,” says DeCristofaro. “Our industry is going through a period of extraordinary change, which has provided new and different opportunities for jewelry makers, designers, and their suppliers. MJSA works every day, via education, networking, and trade events, to help our members identify those opportunities. I will do everything in my power to increase MJSA’s engagement with its members, so we can better understand what they need to succeed—and be profitable—in this new environment.

“One of my goals, amid high precious metals prices, is to support MJSA’s efforts to enhance the opportunities that exist for jewelry makers and designers who use alternative materials for their creations,” says DeCristofaro. “Though MJSA remains firmly committed to the makers of fine jewelry and all of their information and networking needs, today’s jewelers are also exploring an array of non-precious metals and other high-tech components in their jewelry.

“I applaud MJSA’s work in enlarging its tent to include information and services for these members of our industry, which include our larger suppliers and retailers of fashion jewelry. The latter companies have a wealth of knowledge and success in using all materials for jewelry adornment, and they are welcome to MJSA’s networks, benefits, and ranks,” says DeCristofaro. 

For more information about MJSA’s benefits and services, e-mail info@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

After 15 Years at Harry Winston, Roger Phillmore Retires From BOD

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation Announces the Retirement of Mr. Roger Phillimore from its Board of Directors

By Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (TSX:HW, NYSE:HWD) (the "Company") announced today that after more than fifteen years of continuous service as an independent director of the Company, Mr. Roger Phillimore is retiring from the board of directors to focus on other professional challenges.

Mr. Phillimore joined the board shortly after the discovery of the Diavik Diamond Mine orebodies and provided invaluable advice as the Company progressed through the complexities of debt and equity financing for its 40% share of the capital cost of what, at the time, was the most expensive mining development ever to be undertaken in the Northwest Territories. His extensive, senior level experience in the natural resource industry has been an invaluable asset.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Gannicott commented, "Roger has been a close friend and sounding board to me throughout the evolution and growth of the Company while also being a wise and collegial member of the board of directors. We all wish him well for the future."

Harry Winston recently released an updated life-of-mine plan for the Diavik Diamond Mine, including current estimates for anticipated annual production by pipe, with associated operating costs, and capital costs through 2023. The life-of-mine plan includes a detailed cash flow model based on the Company's estimates of future rough diamond revenue. Unless otherwise specified, all financial information is presented in Canadian dollars, on a 100% basis, and references to years are to calendar years. 
for a complete copy of the newly released report CLICK HERE

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/20/4740801/harry-winston-diamond-corporation.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

About Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation is a diamond enterprise with premium assets in the mining and retail segments of the diamond industry. Harry Winston supplies rough diamonds to the global market from its 40 percent ownership interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine.  The Company's luxury brand segment is a premier diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer with salons in key locations, including New York, Paris, London, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong,Singapore, Tokyo and Beverly Hills.

The Company focuses on the two most profitable segments of the diamond industry, mining and retail, in which its expertise creates shareholder value. This unique business model provides key competitive advantages; rough diamond sales and polished diamond purchases provide market intelligence that enhances the Company's overall performance.

SOURCE Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/20/4740806/harry-winston-diamond-corporation.html#storylink=cpy

AGS Names David Gardner As New President

David Gardner of David Gardner’s Jewelers Named 

New President of American Gem Society’s Board of Directors

Gardner brings 40 years of innovative expertise in jewelry industry

Celebrating 40 years at DG Jewelers

May 29, 2012, Las Vegas. The American Gem Society elected David Gardner, Certified Gemologist (CG), of David Gardner Jewelers, as President of the Society’s Board of Directors, taking over the role from outgoing President, Cathy Calhoun, CGA, of Calhoun Jewelers. The appointment was made during the Society’s annual Conclave in Miami, on April 28^th.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with David,” said Ruth Batson, CEO and Executive Director of AGS. “He’s been a tireless advocate in his work and efforts on behalf of the American Gem Society. His enthusiasm and passion for the Society is well known to all of our members, and it will no doubt be an exciting two years with at the President’s helm!”

Gardner’s new role coincides with the celebration of 40 years in the jewelry industry since starting out at the age of 16. Since then, David started David Gardner’s Jewelers which has earned a reputation of excellence in the jewelry industry leading to national recognition as one of America’s Top 10 Coolest Jewelry Stores. David and wife, Julia, have continually chosen to serve the local community despite offers to expand operations. Long-term dedication combined with constant philanthropic efforts recently led the B-CS Chamber of Commerce to honor David and Julia as Citizens of the Year in 2011. In addition to helping others, David is deeply passionate about designing one-of-a-kind jewelry for his customers.

“I love the rich heritage and tradition of being a jeweler, but I also like to break out of the box and bend the rules to keep our industry fresh and relevant in an ever-changing world,” said Gardner.  “Jewelry is a language that is universal and I am eager to devote myself to this unique opportunity and make a difference that will reflect well upon the AGS and its dedicated membership.”

AGS also announced the list of its 2012-2013 Board Of Directors including:- President Elect –Louis Smith, CG; Secretary – Scott Berg, CG; Sr. Advisor- Bill Sites, CGA; Treasurer- Kelly Kinas; Director at Large - Dave Bonaparte; Director at Large –John Carter, CGA; Director at Large -Kelly Newton, CGA; Director at Large -Charles Rosario; Chair- Conclave Sub-Committee, Louis Smith, CG; Chair - International Guilds Council, Laura Stanley, CGA; CG; Chair -Education Committee, Michael Richards, CG; Chair -Marketing Committee, Jeff High; Chair -Membership Committee, Bill Farmer, CGA; Chair -AGS Lab Board of Managers, Doug Parker, CG. The Board also added three new members, each appointed as Director at Large: Mike Wilson, CG, Lisa Bridge, CG and Michael Schechter.

About the American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than five percent of jewelers in the country have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership.

For more information regarding the American Gem Society, please call 866.805.6500, or visit  www.AmericanGemSociety.org.